Emmanuel Ikpeama
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has sworn in the newly elected Chairmen of the 21 Local Government Areas of the state, with a charge to prioritize rural security, accountability and grassroots development.
The Governor gave the charge on Wednesday at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Glass House, Government House, Lokoja, through his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu. 
Governor Ododo urged the Chairmen to collaborate closely with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to safeguard lives and property, assuring that no community will be abandoned to criminal elements.
He also tasked them to focus on critical grassroots needs including rural roads, primary healthcare, basic education, environmental sanitation, and empowerment programmes for youths and women.
While congratulating them on their victory, the Governor thanked the people of Kogi State for their overwhelming support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), which clinched all chairmanship and councillorship seats across the 21 LGAs and 239 wards. He described the landslide victory as a call to greater service.
Ododo urged the new Council Chairmen to justify the confidence reposed in them by fulfilling their campaign promises, managing public funds with transparency, and remaining humble, accessible and fair to all, irrespective of political differences.
The Governor also reaffirmed the state’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, commending the President for his leadership through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He wished the Chairmen a successful tenure and assured them of the state government’s support to deepen development at the grassroots.
Stakeholders at the event described the swearing-in as the beginning of a new chapter in local government administration in Kogi State.
